Famous Inspirational Poems - Page 2

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  1. 21. Opportunity

    In "Opportunity" by Berton Braley, the speaker offers encouragement to those plagued by doubt and dismay. They assert that there is still ample opportunity for greatness and achievement. The poem emphasizes that the world is hungry for new creations, longing for power, beauty, laughter, love, and more. It asserts that there is an abundance of untapped potential in various fields, such as literature, architecture, exploration, and work. The message conveyed is one of hope and optimism, urging individuals to seize the chances presented to them and not be disheartened, for the best is yet to come.

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    With doubt and dismay you are smitten
    You think there's no chance for you, son?
    Why, the best books haven't been written
    The best race hasn't been run,

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  3. 22. Do Not Love Half Lovers

    In Kahlil Gibran's poem "Do Not Love Half Lovers," the speaker imparts wisdom about the importance of embracing wholeheartedness in life. The poem advises against settling for incomplete or halfway experiences, relationships, or endeavors. It urges individuals to be authentic in their expressions, whether it's through silence or speech, acceptance or refusal. Half-heartedness is seen as a weak acceptance or an ambiguous refusal, lacking clarity and sincerity. The poem encourages embracing full solutions, truths, dreams, and hopes, as well as wholeheartedly pursuing one's desires and aspirations. It emphasizes the significance of living a complete and genuine life, not allowing oneself to be hindered by hesitations or missed opportunities. The final lines assert that individuals are whole beings capable of fully experiencing life, and that living a life not half-lived is their purpose.

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    Do not love half lovers
    Do not entertain half friends
    Do not indulge in works of the half talented
    Do not live half a life and do not die a half death

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  5. 23. Courage

    In Edgar A. Guest's poem "Courage," the poem emphasizes that courage is not a fleeting act or a mere show of bravery, but a deep-seated trait within the soul of a person. It is unwavering, patient, and ingrained, present in both triumph and adversity. Ultimately, courage is not just a daring deed but the very breath of life.

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    Courage isn't a brilliant dash,
    A daring deed in a moment's flash;
    It isn't an instantaneous thing
    Born of despair with a sudden spring

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  6. 24. Start Where You Stand

    In Berton Braley's poem "Start Where You Stand," the poet encourages embracing the present moment and letting go of the past. The past holds no power in shaping new beginnings; it is merely a closed chapter. Each new day presents an opportunity to embark on a fresh journey, unburdened by past defeats or successes. The world is indifferent to past failures if one can rise again and achieve success. Time is fleeting, and there is much work to be done. It is essential to leave behind buried sorrows and fears, facing the future with courage and determination. Yesterday is gone, and the focus should be on the challenges and triumphs of today. The poem serves as a reminder to start where you stand and make the most of the present moment, driving forward with unwavering bravery.

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    Start where you stand and never mind the past,
    The past won't help you in beginning new,
    If you have left it all behind at last
    Why, that's enough, you're done with it, you're through;

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  7. 25. Your World

    "Your World" is a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson that speaks to the power of expanding one's perspective and breaking free from the limitations of a narrow existence. The poet reflects on her own journey from feeling trapped in a small space to embracing the vastness of the world around them, encouraging her readers to do the same. The poem encourages us to spread our wings and explore the endless possibilities that lie beyond the confines of our own minds.

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    Your world is as big as you make it.
    I know, for I used to abide
    In the narrowest nest in a corner,
    My wings pressing close to my side.

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  8. 26. Equality

    Racism and discrimination continue to plague our society, and those themes are clearly seen in this poem by famous poet Maya Angelou. She was not only an author and poet. Maya Angelou was also a civil rights activist. In this poem, she encourages people to keep moving forward. Don’t give up the fight for equality. The repetition of “Equality, and I will be free,” draws the reader’s attention to this poem's important and emotional message.

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    You declare you see me dimly
    through a glass which will not shine,
    though I stand before you boldly,
    trim in rank and marking time.

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    Truely inspirational poem. This is the cry of present time that it is the 21st century and people are still struggling for equality, which is far from reach for many.

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  9. 27. My Creed

    Edgar Guest inspires readers to live lives that are filled with integrity. He also shows the desire to live in a way that accepts things as they come and push through no matter the obstacles faced. We each have a set of rules and expectations that govern the way we live. Have you ever thought about what drives your day-to-day thoughts and actions? Edgar Guest (1881-1959) wrote many encouraging and motivational poems about life.

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    To live as gently as I can;
    To be, no matter where, a man;
    To take what comes of good or ill
    And cling to faith and honor still;

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  10. 28. The Will To Win

    When we want something, we must be willing to fight for it. We must put in the necessary work and make sacrifices to achieve our goals. Berton Braley (1882-1966) was an American poet who completed high school in only two years.

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    If you want a thing bad enough
    To go out and fight for it,
    Work day and night for it,
    Give up your time and your peace and

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    I like how I became motivated to proceed with caution concerning my worldly desire. I do not want my faith and hope to be misplaced. When my will is invoked by deep feelings of want for...

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  11. 29. In Spite Of War

    Angela Morgan lived during both of the World Wars. In this poem, Morgan shares that despite a devastating war raging on, everything in nature continued as if nothing was happening. The same can be true about our lives. Life continues even when terrible things happen, so this poem encourages us to look at the beauty around us rather than focus on the negative aspects of our lives.

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    In spite of war, in spite of death,
    In spite of all man's sufferings,
    Something within me laughs and sings
    And I must praise with all my breath.

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    This is some extraordinary literature I'm going to have to read to my grandchildren. Thank you for producing this beautiful work of art that I can share with the future generation.

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  12. 30. The World's Greatest Need

    In "The World's Greatest Need" by C. Austin Miles (1868-1946), the poet uses concise and impactful language to convey a powerful message. Through the use of contrast and repetition, he emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, empathy, unity, and joy. The poem urges for a shift in perspective, from individualism to collective well-being, and highlights the significance of nurturing positive relationships and spreading happiness. By painting a vivid picture of the choices we make and their consequences, Miles reminds us of the urgency to prioritize compassion and connection in a world that often struggles with greed and indifference.

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    • By C. Austin Miles

    A little more kindness and a little less greed;
    A little more giving and a little less need;
    A little more smile and a little less frown;
    A little less kicking a man when he's down;

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  13. 31. Can't

    In Edgar A. Guest's poem "Can't," the poet delivers a powerful message about the detrimental impact of the word "can't" on human potential. Through the use of vivid language and persuasive rhetoric, Guest portrays "can't" as a destructive force that weakens courage, hinders progress, and mocks aspirations. The poem employs strong imagery and personification to give life to the abstract concept of "can't," presenting it as a relentless enemy that must be despised and resisted. Guest's use of repetition, such as the recurring phrase "It springs from the lips," emphasizes the pervasive nature of the word and its insidious influence. By urging readers to reject "can't" and embrace determination and perseverance, the poem inspires a resilient mindset and serves as a call to action.

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    Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;
    Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
    On it is many a strong spirit broken,
    And with it many a good purpose dies.

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  14. 32. As You Go Through Life

    In this poem, Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) shares valuable advice about life and shows that trying to make things go your way is futile. She encourages that instead of fighting against the reality of life being difficult at times, allow yourself to be shaped into God’s plan. A lot of her poems have a spiritual element to them. This poem is made up of octaves (eight-line stanzas).

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    Don't look for the flaws as you go through life;
    And even when you find them,
    It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind
    And look for the virtue behind them.

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    Sometimes life goes up and down between hills and rivers, but with even the least courage and a sign of faith in the turn we make at the sharp curve, it all levels up to positivity no matter...

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  15. 33. Love After Love

    Much of the inspiration for Derek Walcott's poetry comes from the history of Saint Lucia, where he was born. This poem has a theme of accepting yourself as you are. Before you can love others, you need to love yourself.

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    The time will come
    when, with elation,
    you will greet yourself arriving
    at your own door, in your own mirror,

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    My husband died 10 years ago. He was the love of my life, my soul-mate, my best friend. I have not known how to 'adjust' to him being gone until I read this poem, "Love After Love." Everyone...

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  16. 34. Time Is

    Time feels different for different people. Depending on the situation we’re facing, our perception of time is altered. Sometimes, time moves slowly, and other times, it flashes in the blink of an eye. “Time Is” is one of Henry van Dyke’s best-known poems. It was originally written to be inscribed on a sundial. This was published in the 1904 collection “Music and Other Poems,” and it was read aloud at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

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    Time is
    Too Slow for those who Wait,
    Too Swift for those who Fear,
    Too Long for those who Grieve,

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  17. 35. Still Here

    Langston Hughes (1902-1967) had a lonely childhood, but he was raised by his grandmother who had a love of literature, so Hughes turned to books during those lonely years. This poem shows that even through the hardships of life, it’s possible to keep pushing forward. In this poem, Langston Hughes does not follow the rules of grammar, but that adds to the frazzled feel of the poem’s content.

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    I been scarred and battered.
    My hopes the wind done scattered.
    Snow has friz me,
    Sun has baked me,

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    This poem was in a textbook of mine from the sixth grade. As a child, it resonated with me. It inspired me to write poetry. As a child, educated by white folk, I had no idea who Langston...

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  18. 36. Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

    Emily Dickinson, born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, is the author of almost 2,000 poems. Only after she died in 1886 were her poems discovered. In this metaphorical poem the bird is a symbol for hope. Hope Is The Thing With Feathers is written in quatrains and uses an ABCB rhyme scheme

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    "Hope" is the thing with feathers -
    That perches in the soul -
    And sings the tune without the words -
    And never stops - at all -

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    I recited this poem in grade six and it has been an inspiration for me ever since. Wonderful work!

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  19. 37. Barter

    Sara Teasdale was a frail and sickly person who chose to find the beauty in the things around her. Her love for beautiful things is reflected in her poetry. This is one such poem where she shares the importance of taking a moment to look to the things in this life that bring us joy, no matter how simple they may be. The rhyme scheme is ABCBDD.

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    Life has loveliness to sell,
    All beautiful and splendid things,
    Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
    Soaring fire that sways and sings,

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    How wonderful to stop, really see, and appreciate what nature gives us. I too love the crashing waves, the dancing flames and beautiful smells around us, we need to be mindful of every moment...

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  20. 38. How Did You Die?

    In "How Did You Die?" by Edmund Vance Cooke (1866 - 1932), the poet challenges readers to confront troubles with bravery and resilience. Through rhyming couplets and rhythmic flow, the poem captivates with its rhythm. Metaphors and vivid imagery emphasize the importance of facing adversity head-on and not succumbing to fear or defeat. The recurring refrain highlights that it's not the circumstances themselves, but rather one's attitude and response, that truly matter. The poem encourages readers to live a life of courage and integrity, where the measure of success lies not in avoiding defeat or death, but in how one faced life's challenges and embraced the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

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    Did you tackle that trouble that came your way
    With a resolute heart and cheerful?
    Or hide your face from the light of day
    With a craven soul and fearful?

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  21. 39. The Laughing Heart

    "The Laughing Heart" by Charles Bukowski is a poem that celebrates the power and agency of individual lives. The poem urges readers to embrace their own lives and resist conforming to societal pressures that seek to diminish their spirits. It encourages vigilance and awareness, reminding readers to be open to opportunities and moments of light, even if they may seem small. The poem emphasizes the possibility of finding joy and triumph in life, even in the face of mortality. The poet employs repetition, concise language, and a conversational tone to convey his message effectively. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "Know them. Take them," engages the reader and invites introspection. Through these poetic techniques, Bukowski encourages readers to recognize their own worth and live their lives to the fullest.

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    Your life is your life
    Don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
    Be on the watch.
    There are ways out.

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  22. 40. It Might Have Been

    Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850-1919) uses this poem to show that people have the power to make their own destiny. Most of the stanzas start with “We will (be/do/climb),” which brings attention to the belief that we will each become what we set out to become. This poem is made up of quatrains (four-line stanzas) that follow the ABAB rhyme scheme. Although Ella Wheeler Wilcox was born to poor family and received many rejection letters for her poetry, she remained optimistic and kept working hard for what she wanted.

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    We will be what we could be. Do not say,
    "It might have been, had not or that, or this."
    No fate can keep us from the chosen way;
    He only might who is.

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